The Red Sea’s stunning coral reefs are facing a new danger, as marine biologists are warning of a potential mass death of sea urchins caused by an unknown disease.
According to scientist Lisa-Maria Schmidt, the die-off of these long-spined creatures could have devastating consequences for the entire coral reef ecosystem, as they feed on algae that can suffocate corals.
In the Red Sea resort of Eilat, located on the border of Jordan and Egypt, Schmidt and her colleagues witnessed the collapse of the sea urchin population firsthand.
“When we entered the water, we were shocked to find that all the sea urchins we used to see were gone, replaced by skeletons and piles of spines,” she told AFP.
In January, the team received reports of a rapid decline in a sea urchin species off the coast of Eilat, prompting them to investigate a site known for its abundance of the Diadema setosum species.
2023-09-24 16:24:02
Link from phys.org